Todd Sumamno
Creating your own website has never been easier. With the right software and enough determination, you’ll be able to get your own site up and running in no time! And speaking of software, one of the best tools that have enabled individuals and business owners to establish a formidable online presence is WordPress. This handy CMS (content management software), has transformed the website creation process into something anyone can handle.
This is in huge part thanks to the wide variety of plugins that allow you to turn your WordPress site into a space that is uniquely yours. Add-ons such as FooBox – WordPress Lightbox Plugin, or Yoast SEO, make it simpler than ever to optimize your website and make it attractive for visitors.
However, before getting to plugins and all of that good stuff WordPress has to offer, you’ll need to learn how to create a website using it. Don’t worry, though, even if you’re a complete rookie when it comes to website building, WordPress was created so that people like you will be able to create a website without professional expertise. The following guide will bring you up to speed with things like hosting, domain buying, as well as the initial set up stages.
Domain Name
A domain name is a unique identifier for your website and you must get it first before you go ahead with setting up your website. For your page to be effective, you need to spend time choosing a great domain name. The better your domain name, the easier it will be for people to remember and visit your website again.
Consider the following when buying your domain name:
- Is it short and memorable?
- Are there any available alternatives?
- Can you make it easy for customers or clients to remember?
- Is it available as dot com or dot net? Or are there other extensions available?
- Can I register this name with other extensions including dot me or dot info?
You can even go as far as buying your domain name in specific fields such as dot-engineering or dot-attorney for you to have a special identity in the niche. Keep in mind, though, that these kinds of extensions are usually more expensive than your regular dot-coms or dot-nets.
Hosting
There are many ways through which people host their websites today, however, not all the hosting services are reliable. Like any other services, web hosting providers have their pros and cons that require thorough consideration.
Before making use of any web hosting provider, ask yourself the following questions:
- How much bandwidth can I get with my web host?
- How many visitors can my site handle?
- What does my web host offer in terms of storage space?
- Will my provider help me if my site goes offline?
- What does my web host know about WordPress if I need assistance?
- What if my site is hacked?
- Can I pay per month or is there a long term payment plan?
The best way to choose a web host is to compare different options. Start by looking at costs. Many web hosts offer a lot of free features with their web hosting plans. However, as soon as they exceed their limits, you will be forced to pay more to unlock new features.
You need to check whether they offer free upgrades, backup options, and security too. In the end, you should pick a hosting service that will handle your projected number of visitors, have relatively fast loading speeds, and be able to host the number of pages and posts you’re expecting to have. Don’t go for the most expensive option if you don’t need all of its features!
Set Up an RSS URL
First, you will need to install WordPress onto your web host (this is not required if you are using a WordPress.com site). Next, you will need to define an RSS URL for your site. WordPress uses feeds as a way of keeping its users updated on the latest news. The RSS feed serves as a link that any visitor can subscribe to, which will update them whenever you publish a new piece of content.
To set up an RSS feed, go to the “Publicize” section of the “Settings” menu. Then, use the box labeled “RSS Feed” to define a web address where your subscribers can find new content via an RSS reader.
Once you’re done with that, your WordPress site is ready to be compatible with your web host. All you’ve got to do now is design it using the many tools at your disposal.
The Bottom Line
Of course, there is much more to creating your WordPress website than just picking out the domain and hosting service. However, these parts are the most confusing ones for people who are just taking their first steps in the world of web design.
Thankfully, once you get these technical issues out of the way, the process of shaping and molding your website accordingly with your wishes is a rather simple one.
You might want to brush up on your knowledge of the best, most reliable plugins and some basic website maintenance tips. There are plenty of articles about it available online, so you shouldn’t have much trouble researching these topics. Good luck!
